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A Tasting all for Moi?! Oui, Oui!!

So one of the many perks of being a wedding coordinator is getting to attend catering tastings with my couples! This most recent one at The Castaway in Burbank was a first for me though; since Tania and Jason are in the Navy and currently in Hawaii, they entrusted me with the important job of selecting their wedding food!!

A foodie at heart, I accepted this job (sigh, if it must be done, it must be done;) Ooh, one more steak skewer, please- I don’t think I quite tasted that first one adequately!). I am so very fortunate that Tania and Jason trust my foodie instincts and judgment! I told them that I would be focusing on overall taste, as well as balance, plus taking into account Jason’s love of meat… So fun!!

Another first for me was this was the first “mass” tasting I have experienced. Normally, it’s the caterer, the couple, and me, but The Castaway is such a popular venue that it organizes its tastings every few months, with about 150 attendees or so (about the size of your average wedding, which is handy).

When I walked in, the reception room looked like this:

Preferred vendors were spread all over the perimeter of the room such as Katrina Ward the harpist, photographer Tony Santana of Heart and Video, and dessert specialist Chloe Cake & Sweet Buffet…

We were served passed appetizers such as steak skewers, mini quesadillas, and spicy shrimp, while we found our tables and checked out these preferred vendors!

After manager Alex Moon introduced all the vendors, then the buffet table was open…

…including the carving station (yes, Jason!)…

We were given a little checklist on which to take tasting notes on!

I am so excited about Tania and Jason’s wedding menu for their “Platinum” meal! Thanks to Tania and Jason for trusting me to do this for you, and I hope you thoroughly enjoy it in a few months’ time… Mmmm…

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Jackie Murphy

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." ~ Maya Angelou

I believe that every couple has two inner songs standing on their own, yet harmonizing as a duet. As a coordinator, consultant, and confidante, I aim to discover your song and let it be the melody at your wedding.

After graduating from Stanford and USC, I became a teacher. One of the key lessons I have always taught my students is to be true to yourself. This lesson transcends age and time, and I strive to accentuate who you are at your core on your special day. Teaching has also given me the gifts of time management, organization, an inner calm, a listening ear, and a good sense of humor! When I got engaged, I realized that these skills transferred very easily to wedding planning. Soon after being married, I knew what my new passion in life was: planning other people's weddings!

I am a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants and enjoy finding creative ideas on television wedding shows! (I tell my husband that this is, after all, "research!") I have been fortunate to have lived in Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, and the United States, so have been immersed in many cultures and traditions, which have enhanced my wedding coordinating repertoire.

When I am not planning weddings or teaching, you might find me going on an adventure with my hubby Brian, doing Yoga to Hip Hop music, reading a book for my book club, singing in the Angel City Chorale choir, trying out a new Food Network recipe, or enjoying some delectable red velvet cupcakes!